Dorm Essentials You Haven’t Thought Of

Dorm Essentials You Haven't Thought Of

It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about that college checklist. We’re not talking books and iPads. What about those dorm essentials students don’t realize they need until they’re dropped off and just settling in? Going beyond school supplies and bedding from home, check out these dorm essentials you may not have thought to pack.

All-in-One Appliances

Cooking up a fast and cheap meal in the dorm kitchenette is a rite of passage for most college kids. Let’s face it, space is an issue and sometimes in smaller rooms, there isn’t even a kitchenette. One thing to put on that packing list is a compact, all-in-one appliance.

One great choice is the Nostalgia Breakfast Station. It has a small coffee maker, griddle and toaster oven. It’s perfect for breakfasts, late night grilled cheese sandwiches and re-heating mom’s tater tot casserole. It’s a must-have appliance to bring along, second in line to a microwave.

Hidden Storage

One thing every dorm lacks is a nice, large closet, and if there is one, it often has to be shared between two roommates. Utilizing every square inch of space for hidden storage reduces clutter and makes everyday items easy to find. Choose stackable bins, hanging baskets or drawer bins to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling space.

Laundry Essentials

Obviously, laundry supplies are on the packing list for every college student. Rather than packing heavy, cumbersome products and supplies, consider this instead:

It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about that college checklist. We’re not talking books and iPads. What about those dorm essentials students don’t realize they need until they’re dropped off and just settling in? Going beyond school supplies and bedding from home, check out these dorm essentials you may not have thought to pack.

All-in-One Appliances

Cooking up a fast and cheap meal in the dorm kitchenette is a rite of passage for most college kids. Let’s face it, space is an issue and sometimes in smaller rooms, there isn’t even a kitchenette. One thing to put on that packing list is a compact, all-in-one appliance.

One great choice is the Nostalgia Breakfast Station. It has a small coffee maker, griddle and toaster oven. It’s perfect for breakfasts, late night grilled cheese sandwiches and re-heating mom’s tater tot casserole. It’s a must-have appliance to bring along, second in line to a microwave.

Hidden Storage

One thing every dorm lacks is a nice, large closet, and if there is one, it often has to be shared between two roommates. Utilizing every square inch of space for hidden storage reduces clutter and makes everyday items easy to find. Choose stackable bins, hanging baskets or drawer bins to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling space.

Laundry Essentials

Obviously, laundry supplies are on the packing list for every college student. Rather than packing heavy, cumbersome products and supplies, consider this instead:

It’s never too early or too late to start thinking about that college checklist. We’re not talking books and iPads. What about those dorm essentials students don’t realize they need until they’re dropped off and just settling in? Going beyond school supplies and bedding from home, check out these dorm essentials you may not have thought to pack.

All-in-One Appliances

Cooking up a fast and cheap meal in the dorm kitchenette is a rite of passage for most college kids. Let’s face it, space is an issue and sometimes in smaller rooms, there isn’t even a kitchenette. One thing to put on that packing list is a compact, all-in-one appliance.

One great choice is the Nostalgia Breakfast Station. It has a small coffee maker, griddle and toaster oven. It’s perfect for breakfasts, late night grilled cheese sandwiches and re-heating mom’s tater tot casserole. It’s a must-have appliance to bring along, second in line to a microwave.

Hidden Storage

One thing every dorm lacks is a nice, large closet, and if there is one, it often has to be shared between two roommates. Utilizing every square inch of space for hidden storage reduces clutter and makes everyday items easy to find. Choose stackable bins, hanging baskets or drawer bins to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling space.

Laundry Essentials

Obviously, laundry supplies are on the packing list for every college student. Rather than packing heavy, cumbersome products and supplies, consider this instead:

        • A collapsible mesh laundry basket for convenient storage.
        • Stain pens for quickly handling spills.
        • Pods or single serving detergents to grab and go.
        • Pre-paid laundry card to eliminate carrying change everywhere.

Don’t forget to tuck in dryer sheets to keep laundry smelling good in between washings.

Beef Up Bedroom Space

It’s all about stacking and building upward, not just with grades but with dorm rooms as well. Create more bedroom space with essentials like:

        • Under-the-bed pull-out drawers.
        • Removable headboards loaded with storage space to stash smaller items.
        • A room divider with organization pockets for storage and privacy.

Don’t forget about those extra-long sheets to fit the beds most dorms have as well as designer bedding and blankets for comfort.

Creating Zen

Even though dorm space may be tiny, make it your own. Glam up the area with:

        • Plants, real or faux.
        • Rugs that match the comforter set.
        • Wall art such as a Mandala tapestry wall hanging or black and white photos.
        • Throws and pillows that evoke calm and relaxation.

Personalize the space, but be mindful of your roommate, who may have different tastes.

Trash cans, lamps, chairs and desks are essentials already on most dorm checklists. Think a little more in-depth with back-to-school shopping. College should be more about creating friendships than lugging an arm full of laundry across campus.

        • A collapsible mesh laundry basket for convenient storage.
        • Stain pens for quickly handling spills.
        • Pods or single serving detergents to grab and go.
        • Pre-paid laundry card to eliminate carrying change everywhere.

Don’t forget to tuck in dryer sheets to keep laundry smelling good in between washings.

Beef Up Bedroom Space

It’s all about stacking and building upward, not just with grades but with dorm rooms as well. Create more bedroom space with essentials like:

        • Under-the-bed pull-out drawers.
        • Removable headboards loaded with storage space to stash smaller items.
        • A room divider with organization pockets for storage and privacy.

Don’t forget about those extra-long sheets to fit the beds most dorms have as well as designer bedding and blankets for comfort.

Creating Zen

Even though dorm space may be tiny, make it your own. Glam up the area with:

        • Plants, real or faux.
        • Rugs that match the comforter set.
        • Wall art such as a Mandala tapestry wall hanging or black and white photos.
        • Throws and pillows that evoke calm and relaxation.

Personalize the space, but be mindful of your roommate, who may have different tastes.

Trash cans, lamps, chairs and desks are essentials already on most dorm checklists. Think a little more in-depth with back-to-school shopping. College should be more about creating friendships than lugging an arm full of laundry across campus.

        • A collapsible mesh laundry basket for convenient storage.
        • Stain pens for quickly handling spills.
        • Pods or single serving detergents to grab and go.
        • Pre-paid laundry card to eliminate carrying change everywhere.

Don’t forget to tuck in dryer sheets to keep laundry smelling good in between washings.

Beef Up Bedroom Space

It’s all about stacking and building upward, not just with grades but with dorm rooms as well. Create more bedroom space with essentials like:

        • Under-the-bed pull-out drawers.
        • Removable headboards loaded with storage space to stash smaller items.
        • A room divider with organization pockets for storage and privacy.

Don’t forget about those extra-long sheets to fit the beds most dorms have as well as designer bedding and blankets for comfort.

Creating Zen

Even though dorm space may be tiny, make it your own. Glam up the area with:

        • Plants, real or faux.
        • Rugs that match the comforter set.
        • Wall art such as a Mandala tapestry wall hanging or black and white photos.
        • Throws and pillows that evoke calm and relaxation.

Personalize the space, but be mindful of your roommate, who may have different tastes.

Trash cans, lamps, chairs and desks are essentials already on most dorm checklists. Think a little more in-depth with back-to-school shopping. College should be more about creating friendships than lugging an arm full of laundry across campus.